Paper short abstract:

This paper presents a little-known successful campaign which quickly mobilised different actors to meet IDPs' needs with dignity and efficacy in Adama, Ethiopia. It offers an evidence-based case study of assistance led by national and local actors in the Global South.

Paper long abstract:

This paper presents a little-known successful campaign which quickly mobilised different actors to meet the needs of IDP arrival with dignity and efficacy in Adama, Ethiopia. It offers a case study of emergency relief and development assistance led by national and local actors in the Global South without international involvement. The collective response led to the construction of 2,000 houses in which 1,340 IDP households were settled, and support for education and healthcare. This may be a unique instance of an entirely Ethiopian and largely local effort successful at this scale and in such a short period of time.

Several significant policy lessons can be learned from this response. Success came in part through 'cascading' coordination between federal, regional, and local government: A single message was shared widely. Various sectors of society were purposively targeted for donations, with free media coverage in exchange for donations playing a key role in successfully mobilizing private sector funds. The focus on both in-kind and cash donations meant that actors could contribute in myriad ways: hiring IDPs, offering training, and more. Assistance also came from IDPs themselves, as community-based practices such as Idir associations offered both financial and psychological support. This evidence-based case study demonstrates a whole-of-society approach in action, as contributors with and without funds, on group and individual levels, for both altruistic and self-interested purposes, were mobilized to assist.